It’s a Run for MVP as Tenorio saves the day for Ginebra

“MVP, MVP, MVP!!”. Those were the chants as LA Tenorio went to the line to seal the game for Ginebra. With Caguioa fouling out, Tenorio took charge and scored Ginebra’s last give points to save the day for the Gin Kings. After the dust settled, Ginebra survived Talk N’ Text 110-102 and booked a date against the top seeded Petron Blaze Boosters.

Ginebra survived a career game from Larry Fonacier who scored 31 points with five triples and Courtney Fells who scored 26 points (19 in the 3rd). But it was the GINeral who once again put in an all around performance finishing with 24 points six rebounds and 10 assists. The Gin Kings also got a boost from rookie Chris Ellis who put up a career game as Air Force Ellis contributed 19 points 12 rebounds a steal and a block. They also got an emotional boost from Japeth Aguilar who surprised all of us by starting the ball game and played five minutes.

MVP?

He ranks number one in this conference’s statistical race and he was also last conference’s Best Player awardee. He was part of the historical run put up by the Gilas Pilipinas. What more can you ask for from LA Tenorio? He is clearly going through an unbelievable individual run right now and it looks like he intends to continue it in the playoffs.

The MVP awards is within Tenorio’s reach but his main goal is to bring the championship to Ginebra.(photo credit: Pranz Kaeno Billones, Sports5)

Keys of the game:

1. Whos’ the 4?

Billy Mamaril provided quality minutes, scoring eight points while grabbing five rebounds. Japeth Aguilar gave the crowd a boost by starting the game and blocking a shot. Willy Wilson did his part by boxing out and setting screens well. All of it mattered as their collective efforts were able to overcome their TNT counterparts. After posting a double-double in their last game, Harvey Carey was a noon-factor. Ali Peek scored 16 points in their last outing, but this game he only scored four. If they want to be successful in the quarterfinals against Petron, their bigs must continue to do their share.

2. Take care of the ball

The guards did their job by protecting the ball when it mattered, cleaning up their play in the end game to help cement the win.

3. Spark by Chance

Mark Caguioa’s record in a do-or-die situation against Talk N’ Text? 5-0. Maybe he loves playing against the Tropa in these kinds of a games. The Spark finished with 18 points and 5 boards before fouling out in yet another winning effort.

Key Match-up: LA Tenorio vs. Jason Castro

Looks like Castro will have to say goodbye to his MVP hopes as LA Tenorio got the best of him in this game. Tinyente produced a 24-6-10 statline while Castro scored 14 points on a losing effort. Jason Castro maybe the best point guard in Asia with his Derrick Rose-like skills but I think Tenorio is the best playmaker in our country with his Chris Paul-like skills.